All results of the Presidential Election can be released before the dinner time on the 18th of November, says the Chairman of Election Commission.
He stated this addressing a media briefing held today (15) in the runup to the much-anticipated presidential poll.
Speaking further he said, the Commission had received information two incidents of voter intimidation from the Central Province. However, these reports are as yet unconfirmed, as the Police report in this regard is yet to be received, Deshapriya added.
“We would like to issue a very stern warning to the public about participating in such activities,” Deshapriya stressed, adding that if such major or major incidents are brought to the Commission’s notice, voting in that area could be suspended. “In the event of such incidents we will also suspend the issuance of election results,” he emphasized.
The Chairman urged the public to act according to the election laws.
He further said congregating within 500 metres of a polling station and canvassing or disturbing the election literature beyond this perimeter are illegal.
“We have received requests to ban social media, however, we appeal to the public to act with restraint on such mediums,” Deshapriya said, while pointing out that the Election Commission right now does not have any intention to do so, but they will not hesitate to act if the situation changes for the worse.
Speaking on the release of election results, Deshapriya said the first postal voting result is expected to be released between 10.00 pm and 12.00 am tomorrow night. “For the most part, we feel that the Ratnapura results could be released tomorrow as has been done in previous elections.”
“However, you can never be sure, since the ballot paper is much longer this time and since counting will only be commenced at 5.30 pm in the evening, it could be past midnight as well.
Deshapriya said they are confident that by 8.00 am on Monday (18), 80-90% of the results out of he 160 electoral divisions could be released.
He added that they also expect to start releasing results from 6.00 pm tomorrow.
